Light Heavyweights
Tyson Pedro (8-3, 4-3 UFC) vs. Harry Hunsucker (7-5, 0-2 UFC)Pedro’s long-overdue return got off to a solid enough start, and it will be interesting to see how he builds on it. Pedro was an extremely raw prospect signed out of Australia in 2016, but he managed to get off to a hot start with quick wins over Khalil Rountree and Paul Craig, mostly through his clinch and grappling skills. However, that just set Pedro up for a push up the ladder that he was not entirely ready for. Ilir Latifi stalled him out, Ovince St. Preux tapped him out and Mauricio Rua mostly outworked him before Pedro found a late finish. It would be almost three and a half years until Pedro made his return, which came in April against Isaac Villanueva. The Aussie basically picked up where he left off, using a feint-heavy striking style while making his moments of offense count, chopping down Villanueva’s legs before pouncing for a knockout late in the first round. Pedro is still just 30 years old, so it is nice to see him back on a relatively quick turnaround against Hunsucker, who drops down to light heavyweight in search of his first UFC win. A late-notice signing in early 2021, Hunsucker is a fun brawler with some surprising hand speed, but he did not have the requisite level of durability to make hay at heavyweight; even going back to his regional career, all of Hunsucker’s wins and losses have come within a round. At a certain level, this cut to light heavyweight makes sense, but “The Hurricane” should still be at an athleticism deficit, in general, along with being the smaller fighter here. Hunsucker has a small puncher’s chance, but this should be Pedro’s fight to lose. Even if Hunsucker can force the issue, Pedro should be able to get it to the mat in short order, and it might not even get that far. The pick is Pedro via first-round knockout.
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